According to a Financial Times’ report, Pakistan told China to give it more loans to keep the CPEC alive, the mainstay project of Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road connectivity initiative. It also said Pakistan borrowed some $4 billion from China in the year ending June 2018.

While India opposes CPEC’s route as it cuts through the disputed Kashmir held by Islamabad, experts feel Pakistan is already facing a massive debt burden because of the project.

“We noted the shortage of foreign reserves in Pakistan and we believe it will try to maintain steady economic development against all odds,” Hua said when asked about the ballooning debt of the South Asian country.

“In recent times, CPEC has played a positive role in helping Pakistan achieve high economic development supported by the government and people. We believe this will not be interrupted by other factors.”